It’s also important to account for year-to-year variations in weather—wet versus dry, for example—and field-to-field differences. No matter the conditions, make sure seed has a comfortable growing environment after it leaves the planter to ensure even emergence.

"We do want to make sure that we’re getting it closed properly," she says. "So the closing wheels are a pretty important aspect on the back. There’s all kinds of different closing wheels we can run through, but getting that seed trench closed as well as firmed around the seed itself is very important."